Shirley MacLaine is a creative force. Not only has the Oscar-winning actress performed in more than 50 films, she’s also the author of many best-sellers.
In “Above the Line,” MacLaine chronicles the ups and downs of navigating production details for the film “Wild Oats.” As a veteran actress, MacLaine knew the project felt insecure from the start. The cast roster often changed at the drop of a hat, and the financial backing was ambiguous. No one worried about money; they just wanted to make a movie.
These elusive details raised red flags for MacLaine’s agent and friends, yet there was something about the project that interested her. The film was scheduled to shoot at a location that intrigued her — the Canary Islands. So she got on a plane and flew across the world against all odds. It was a decision she wouldn’t regret.
While production puttered along due to financial constraints and unpredictable shooting schedules, MacLaine used her spare time to absorb any information she could obtain about the lost continent of Atlantis. Since it is believed that the Canary Islands are the remnants of Atlantis, MacLaine finds herself constantly questioning and comparing what happened on the set with the lost island’s fate.
Always seeking to grow and learn, she examines the concept of always being aware of where you have been and where you are going: Ask questions. Embrace the laws of cause and effect. Let your imagination roam free. You never know where it’s going to take you. (AP)
